1956
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1956
SELHURST
Our A.G.M. was held on December 11th, and the same Officers elected, excepting Bro. Jack Cotterill who has decided to
transfer back to London Bridge Branch now
that they have altered their meeting place. We say"thank you, Jack" for services rendered to Selhurst during your brief membership as Vice-Chairman. To Bro. M. McCarthy who is elected in his place, good luck in your office for many years.
All members are specially asked to note, we shall meet in 1956 every Third Thursday in the month at Ruskin House, 10.15 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., the first meetings being January 19th.
The New Year sees change of E.C. Representative. To Bro. Ern Cordell we say thanks for over six years of good sincere service on behalf of us all. To Don Pullen, his successor, good luck, and every wish for an early fitting-in with your new colleagues. We shall be watching your progress closely.
In conclusion, let us all make 1956 a record year for branch attendances, thereby keeping ourselves in touch with Society policy and current affairs. L.D.C. nominations will be due in the near future.
Observe all Speed Restrictions and " keep your powder dry". Compliments of the seasons to all.
Bill Boulton
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
Unfortunately these notes must go to press before the new E.C. members have had a real
opportunity to take full stock of their new surroundings. At the time of writing we are both
very much in the “settling-in”stage, though we already seen enough to be quite sure there is
plenty or work ahead.
Election of officers, financial matters, minutes and memoranda of top-level meetings,
unresolved L.D.C. and Sectional Council problems, educational facilities for members, Irish
affairs, political matters - these are the main headings under which are grouped scores of
items vital to our membership. Periodically I hope to bring to your notice some brief
information on the more important matters which have received the attention of your
Executive Committee; it will be m aim to get around to as many branches as is humanly
possible during each quarter, not merely to enlarge on these reports but also to seek
information on all our local electrical problems. Only with the fullest co-operation
between L.D.C., Sectional Council and E.C. Representatives can we hope to make headway in our struggles for improved conditions and adequate payment for our labours. Make sure that YOUR branch keeps on top of the many problems which the “Modernisation Plan” will
create: ATTEND THE BRANCH REGULARLY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT YOUR
REPRESENTATIVES ARE KEPT ON THEIR TOES.
Recent correspondence from some of our younger Motormen members brings more
complaints against the Promotion Scheme, particularly with regard to transfers under Clause
23(c) of the P. T. & R. arrangements. No space here to consider the merits of all the
arguments, but everyone should remember that unless the whole promotional arrangements
undergo a complete and radical change, there will always be someone with a grouse. The
Society’s policy of “First in, First out” of Dual links will go far, if approved by the other
parties concerned, to resolve the main complaints of the Dual Link Driver. Yet it must be
admitted that the consequent emergence of young Drivers from the Dual Links on Second
Preference moves could, in many cases, completely “freeze” the Accommodation Move men for a long time - regardless of the seniority of the latter. Our Southern Electrical Delegate to the 1955 Annual Assembly of Delegates, a Sectional Council representative well versed in all the complexities of the scheme, made a valiant but unsuccessful effort to bring about a change in policy. Whatever your personal feelings on the matter it must be recognised that the vast majority of our fraternity has gone on record AGAINST any alteration in the Accommodation Move. We can discuss the outcome of Conference decisions on this important matter after Monty Renshaw’s A.A.D. Report to the Branches.
Which reminds me that attention should now be focussed on the forthcoming A.A.D. Bert
Shingleton (Slade Green) will be our delegate and all Electrical Branches should now be
thinking of arranging for Bert to come along to discuss the Agenda items which will be
published shortly.
Despite all the “beefs” of the habitual Gripers, there is now a far greater degree of real unity
among Southern Motormen than ever before. The solid stand taken in December last on the
subject of Christmas Leave arrangements proves the point; had it not been for the joint
approach made by our L.D.C. and Depot Representatives in December, far fewer men would
have enjoyed their day off at Christmas.
The main credit for this improvement in our local bargaining power must go to the Joint
Electrical Branches’ Committee.Chairman Arthur Dean (Wimbledon) and his team are to be congratulated on the work of the past 12 months; thanks are due to our Sectional Council Representatives for their all-important reports to the Committee - with a special “Thank you” to Ernie Channing for his continued interested in our affairs. The E.C. Members, too, have played their part by keeping us on the “straight and narrow” whenever over-enthusiasm has threatened the constitutional position. Special mention should be made here of the invaluable services of the L.T.E. Member, Bert Howes, who can always be relied upon to add life and spice to any meeting with his breezy reports of top level activity. 1955 was a difficult year for our fraternity but, during that sternest test of all in May - June last, our Southern Motormen members proved conclusively that they will stand resolutely united in any emergency. Ley no one be guilty during 1956 of any action which might threaten this unity - rather let us do everything we can to foster even better associations at all levels, regardless of depot, district, section or branch.
There have been a number of changes of branch officers this year and some alterations in
time and place of meetings. It is to be hoped that new officers are settling down satisfactory
and that the fresh surroundings have brought the desired increase in attendances. Motormen’s branches are among the best attended and most active in the country, though there is, of course, plenty of room for improvement even with us. Selhurst has for many years held four meeting per month with monthly attendance of 60-80. Now there will be only two meetings monthly and it is hoped that the attendance figure will be maintained. Secretary Bill Boulton is now in his 24th and FINAL year of office in this capacity, and every member is expected to make a real effort throughout 1956 to attend all branch meetings as an expression of appreciation of the great work put in by Bro. Boulton during his long Secretaryship. Later I hope to be able to report to you some of the more important matters discussed during my first session on the Executive Committee.
BRIGHTON ENGINEMEN JIM FRIEND
Jim Friend on the "Brighton Works" engine, a Brighton Terrier Class A1x in Brighton Loco
Jim Friend started at Brighton Loco on 16th January 1956 as a Engine Cleaner and
progressing to, Fireman and Past Fireman, in 1963 Jim transferred to Slade's Green EMUT
Depot to gain his promotion to Driver. In 1965 Jim transferred to Charing Cross where
remained until 20th April 1985, when Jim emigrated to Adelaide, South Australia.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1956
BATTERSEA
This being the first report of the New Year, I would this opportunity of sending greetings to all of our brothers in the Society. Much has been achieved during the past few months for members wages and conditions, and this should make clear to the younger members the advantages of being solid in the ranks. To all members of Battersea - don’t forget to keep your card clear; and to the few “NON”, what about supporting the Society that represent the footplate by joining us?
I am very pleased to report that the L.D.C. at our depot is all A.S.L.E.&F., and it is up to the members to give them every support.
The annual Children’s Party took place on January 21 at the Brunswick House Club, and was a great success. Each child was given a parcel of sweets, fruit, chocolate and a new shilling. Entertainment was supplied by members of the fitting staff and footplatemen and by a professional artist. It was a great pleasure that we welcome Bro. A. Hallworth and his wife to this function. Bro. Halworth spoke for a few moments during the interval.
On behalf of all members of Battersea Branch, I send best wishes to Bro. Jim and his wife in their retirement, and hope to see them again at one of our “DO’s”.
R. WEEKS
BRANCH SECRETARY
Ron Terrill Collection
Newhaven Firemen Johnny White & Brian Simpson
On the footplate of a 'H2' Class Atlantic in Newhaven Loco c1955
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1956
BRIGHTON (2)
On November 12 a very successful Social Evening was held at the Richmond Hotel, where
Bros. C. Cole, A. Routledge*^, W. Hudson and A.T. Green* were presented with a gift from the Retirement Fund. Organiser W. Cleaver made the presentations with appropriate words.
Let us keep the good work of this fund going. At our December meeting all officers were re-
elected for 1956. The present L.D.C. were adopted as the official nominees for 1956. The
January meeting was enlivened by the attendance of Bro. Monty Renshaw (A.A.D. Delegate), who gave a splendid report on Conference, touching especially on items affecting motormen and dual men. Several questions were asked and very ably replied to and there was no doubt left in our minds that the grade of motormen is being brought to the surface to our constitution, and with the coming of increased electrification over a wider area the
maintaining of the position of motorman will have to be seriously considered. So fill the
Branch Room, lads, and let our E.C. know that we are very much alive to those who matters
that will assist the front end of the future – “the motorman.”
F.W. MUSK
BRANCH CHAIRMAN
* Original Brighton No. 2 Branch Member
^ West Worthing Motorman
TREV SMITH COLLECTION
Brighton Driver Fred Cox
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1956
LONDON BRIDGE
London Bridge started the New Year with a new venture at a new venue; let us hope it will prove a success.
Our Chairman, Bro. H. Bagilhole, gave a brief resume of 1955, a very notable year for our Society. He also gave a report on the final meeting in 1955 with the management over the Christmas rosters. Notice how the other side altered their views, brothers-proves what a body of determined men backing up their L.D.C. can can achieve.
Our Secretary gave a report on his meeting with the D.M.P.S. over the warning given to Eastern motormen. The result is that this has now been more suitably explained, so normal working prevails
The Daily Herald and its attitude towards us came under review, and a resulting resolution has been sent to Head Office. One final request; any Eastern motormen (Southern) involved in a signal irregularity please report same to this branch. We are compiling a dossier of these irregularities and the excuses given for same. Who knows? One day it may be our turn to appear on TV to show how the impossible is done.
I. Laws
Bob Walls Collection
T.W.W. Fireman Unknown & Driver Vic Rumley
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
THE recent bitterly cold weather should have caused L.D.C.'s to think seriously about the heating of motormen's cabs. The " Mary" stock, replete with two heaters, constitute the best of a bad bargain in such weather, but even with these cabs the poor old motorman is only warm while the train is stationary. Draughts through windows and doors quickly reduce the " running temperature t o zero and no amount of additional heaters will solve the problem until all these cabs are lined and made draught-proof. Even with the old Met-Vick stock ---notoriously hot in summer — a man can spend several hours in a freezing atmosphere before the cab begins to warm up. There's is a strong case for an " early-morning" heater on this stock too ...
The severe icing conditions have again opposite shift. It is good to know that our thrown up the problem of Head-codes on the Portsmouth (Nelson) main line stock. Even in good weather, all sorts of contortions are necessary to perform what should be the simple task of changing a stencil; with the footboard and front buffer platform completely iced up, it becomes a near physical impossibility. Several L.D.C.'s have already tackled the management on the problem. In the interest of safety, roller type stencils should be fitted to the "Nelsons" without delay.
Southern motormen will take heart at the knowledge that branches like Stratford and Willesden are alert to the complexities of the Promotion, Transfer and Redundancy Arrangements. Branch reports in last month's Journal show that concern about " First in, First out" of Dual Links is growing. The problems inherent in such a scheme are obviously not confined to one Region, and it is good to know that our colleagues up and down the country are keeping a watchful eye on events.
The January meetings of the Joint Electrical Branches Committee were very well attended and, despite the shocking weather, most branches were represented. Congratulations to Bert Shingleton (Slade Green) on his election to the Secretaryship, and to Bill Williams and Eric Holter (Wimbledon), the Chairman and Secretary respectively on the opposite shift. It is good to know that our younger members are ready and willing to take these important offices. Interests N.C.L.C. lectures on "Industrial Law" and on "Railway Modernisation" were well received at these meetings, and it will be the aim of the Committee to present further talks on a variety of subjects of importance to our members. Too few of our young members are taking advantage of the educational facilities offered by the Society, and it is hoped that these N.C.L.C. contacts will break the ice. Ask your Branch Secretary for details of N.C.L.C. POSTAL TUITION -- YOU PAY FOR IT. WHY NOT USE IT?
We shall soon be thinking of going off on Holidays. Thanks to the L.D.C.'s, those men who should be taking their leave in the last period are being given an opportunity to apply for an alternative date in the six weeks after the termination of the Summer service until the end of October. This is a small concession from the management following complaints that, due to the paybill arrangements, the holiday period of 30 weeks now runs into November. It is now up to local representatives to press the matter further with the object of completely eliminating that final fortnight. Some Shed Masters have already agreed to contract the holiday period where the necessary leave cover is provided. In most cases this facility could and should be granted.
Left ~ Right: Office Gent, Mr. Urrie, Alf Brown (Cleaners Foreman), Unknown, Ian Munro, Bill Terrill (Ron's Father) & Jack Baker (Pasha) c1956
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JUNE 1956
NORWOOD BRANCH
M.I.C. good Branch Meetings fair; very necessary now for all to attend the meetings owing to the effects of this MODERNISATION on us. Pleased to see Bill Boulton still doing his stuff, Grand chap, Bill - tried and very much proved. The 1956 A.A.D. has gone; serious decisions were made. I have no doubt about the way they dealt with the General Secretary and the E.C. It is up yo us to give our support to make them a success. Why ask us yo work our Rest Days on Saturdays and Mondays (which we refused)? We have not enough work to employ all our men on these days now, so we can say we have saved them money be refusing! We have a job as a Fireman for Terence Feeley of the Sunday Graphic, and then he can get a Free Pass, I am sure he would be sure usefully employed than by writing articles such as he wrote on June 24, and we hope he liked our resolution. So long, chaps!
P.K. WILLSHAW
BRANCH REPORTER
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Class N15x No.32329 “Stephenson” on Brighton shed on the 23rd June 1956.
This was one of her last duty before withdrawal was a commemorative train from London
Bridge to Brighton, and was aptly for the Stephenson Locomotive Society.
The journey was completed in 60 minutes
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JULY 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
Page 236
Most people agree that we live in a tough world. If you happen to be a Local Departmental
Committee representative things are a great deal tougher. When anything goes wrong - when, for example, the management gets sticky about the application of some new agreement - it’s always the fault of the L.D.C. if the matter is not satisfactorily settled before someone is inconvenienced. Take the current controversy on the subject of leave in lieu of Bank Holidays.
Five short months ago we were congratulating ourselves on the outstandingly successful
conclusion of lengthy negotiations with the British Transport commission on the subject of
increased wages, Saturday afternoon enhancements, sick pay, mileage and among other
important items Bank holiday lieu leave.
Since January most of is have been toiling on anticipation of (a) extended annual leave, or (b) an additional week’s holiday at some latter date - both made possible by the accumulation of lieu leave days plus a rest or two. Some, more modesty, planned to take the Saturday before their holiday just to make sure of getting off to an early start and to ensure full value for their money at holiday camps and boarding houses. Unfortunately, stony-hearted Shed Masters had different ideas. Notices have been posted in some areas to the effect that no lieu-leave will be granted until the end of the summer service. The reasons? Staff shortages, of course.
Quite understandably, our men are getting a little tired of this excuse. We have hears it every
summer since the advent of rest days and it’s beginning to wear a bit thin after all these years.
Long ago we were told that the Dual Links would permanently solve the problem of
providing “spares” on the electric side, yet it has been rest day working during the summer
months which has saved the management a lot of headaches. If our District Motive Power
Superintendents had to rely on Dual Links to help them out, the whole staffing position would have been radically amended long ago. Those L.D.C.’s which have recently shown signs of getting tough on the subject of rest day working have been told by the management that no lieu-leave will be granted unless the spare work is covered by the rest day men. In the
Brighton D.M.P.S. area where L.D.C’s have not been approached on the subject of shortages, or of rest day working, the men are expected to accept the managerial decree that no leave whatsoever will be granted until the end of the summer service.
It is easy enough to blame the staff side representative when your application for leave is
refused but this problem is b no means easy solution. We must all remember the wording of
the national agreement “Leave in lieu to be granted on days mutually convenient to the
Management and Staff concerned, due regard being paid to the exigencies of the service.”
L.D.C. representatives will do their utmost to obtain from the management a local agreement which will ensure the fullest accommodation of the wishes of the staff they represent. Some L.D.C.’s will have a tough time. For others the problem is lessened through the operation of a rest day working agreement. ONE THING IS CERTAIN. Unless YOU give your representatives the support they deserve, the management will hold the whip-hand. Now, more than ever before, there is a need for the closest co-operation between all Electrical L.D.C.’s. Just recently the management has successfully split us all from top to bottom on the rest day question. The next meeting of the joint Branches must make sure that our ranks are closed. The Management will then see that we really mean business.
THE REOPENING OF
THE LEWES TO EAST GRINSTEAD LINE
7th AUGUST 1956
Photo taken Mr. G S Robinson
Leaving Lewes with the 11:30 up East Grinstead L.L.
on the first day of the re-opening of the Bluebell line on the 7th August 1956
Worked by Brighton Enginemen
Driver Charlie Thorpe and Fireman Jimmy Edwards
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
AUGUST 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
Page 259
Congratulations to those Local Departmental Committees which have promptly acted against the “decision” of certain Shed Masters to allow no leave in lieu of Bank holiday until the end of summer period. The Electrical L.D.C.’s at Bricklayers’ Arms, Norwood Junction and Brighton certainly lost no time in reminding the managements that such matters are best dealt with in full and frank discussion at L.D.C. level. Result? A hasty withdrawal of the offending notices and a promise that applications for leave will be sympathetic considered.
Will the management never learn? Leave will be granted wherever and whenever possible,
having regard for traffic requirements. This “revised” arrangement is, of course, in line with
the national agreement which says lieu-leave shall be granted on days mutually convenient to management and staff.
Electrical L.D.C.’s at Nine Elms, Stewart’s Lane and else where have found little difficulty in agreeing lieu leave arrangements, chiefly because staff shortages in those areas have been
offset by the working of rest day. First reports of the meeting with D.M.P.S. (Brighton)
indicate that he, too, is thinking in terms of rest day working to cover lieu and special leave
during the summer. Men in that district who have jealously guarded their rest days in the past will not take too kindly to any relaxation of their “No Working” agreement. However, the difficulties of the situation are obvious to everyone. Despite all our efforts to secure real unity in our local approaches to the management, we have to admit failure this year on the rest day question. This is but a temporary set-back; time NOW for joint branch discussion on the staffing position, so that our representatives can decide a plan of action for next year.
Several problems which have engage the attention of Motormen’s representatives at local
level in the recent past have now reached the Executive Committee for further consideration.
Annual Leave Rosters, roster scrutiny, mileage working, clothing issue - these and many other items fall to be dealt with in various stages of the Machinery of Negotiation. Just a word on the subject of “P.N.” Relief. For some while, our L.D.C.’s have argued strongly that any time occupied in walking from the point of relief to the place where facilities are provided for taking meals should be excluded from the 30 minute break. The continuous 30 minute P.N. break was not wrenched from the management without a struggle. Many years ago the old “Pioneer” electric men were forced to strike for a reasonable “Physical Needs” relief period away from the controller. We shall be foolish, indeed, if we now permit the slightest encroachment on this very necessary preserve. The matter has been listed for discussion at the Railway Staff Joint Council - meanwhile, L.D.C.’s should strongly contest any diagrammed duty which fails to provide the full 30 minute break exclusive of any walking time involved.
The 1956 Annual Assembly of Delegates, having effectively dealt with sundry domestic and
industrial matter, certainly left no room for doubt as to where they stood on political affairs.
Aneurin Bevan for the Treasurership of the Labour Party, resolutions on such vital matters as Disarmament and Government Policy in Cyprus, another strongly critical of the present
leadership of the Labour Party. All these items have now received the further consideration of the E.C. - as a result of which, resolutions will be submitted to the Labour Party Conference and Trades Union Congress later this year.
Brighton Driver Ian Munro
Outside the Weighbridge in Brighton Loco.
Ian entered the footplate grades on the 14.08.1950 at Brighton and later transferring to
Brighton E.M.U.T. in the early 1970s. On the 22nd July 1974, Ian eventually transferred to
West Worthing to do a mutual change of depots with West Worthing driver Ted Janes. With
the closure of West Worthing in 1995 transferred to Barnham where he remained until his
retirement.
In July 2011 Ian emigrated to Canada.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
OCTOBER 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
Page 331
Dual Link Driver are having a tough time. Quite apart from the very raw deal that they are
getting, in common with preference and accommodation - move Motormen under the P. T. & R. arrangements, it now appears that the normal protection afforded the “ regular” driver with regard to rostered duties and “ pare” work (R.S.C. Minutes 65 and 514) is being denied them.
When the present arrangements for promotion, transfer and redundancy were first discussed
at the 1949 A.A.D., the President of the E.C. at that time had this to say of the Dual Link
position: “The great difficulty in the past........ has been because men who were considered
dual men had no regular rostered time and were in fact disturbed every alternate day....... But
now that the men in the dual link will have regular rostered hours and a regular job in the link there will be the incentive for them come forward”. It is important to re-read the case for the establishment of dual links within the P T. & R. scheme put forward by your representatives at that conference because it will give a fair idea of the envisaged scheme, and will point clearly to the many pitfalls with which the path of our negotiators has been strewn in the years that followed. The wonder is not so much that anomalies have occurred as that the scheme has worked at all. So far as our policy is concerned no one should complain.
Conferences have accepted that the dual link system should solve the problem of covering
electrical work in the most economical way possible while at the same time giving the
maximum satisfaction and protection to dual Drivers. This would undoubtedly be so today if:
(a) the dual links were always fully operative:
(b) the signing on times of non electrical turns in the dual link were arranged so that R.S.C.
Minute 514 could apply:
(c) it were generally recognised that the first call on dual men is for electric work;
(d) the “spares” in the electric links were restored to the 1950 figure;
(e) the rotes chiefs showed a glimmer of sympathetic appreciation of a man’s social
commitments.
Unfortunately none of these things appear to apply, with the result that most dual men are
being hounded about all over the duty sheet, completely without regard for a home life which, by the very nature of shift work, is already seriously hampered.
The dual man is in the unfortunate positions of having an interest in both forms of traction.
He has the worst of all worlds, and can only live for the day when a vacancy in the electrical
link takes him back to a more normal life once again. It is encouraging to learn that some
electrical L.D.C.’s have taken up the matter of dual link usage with the management, with the object of clearing up some of the points mentioned. The management should be told in no uncertain terms that none of our men are to be treated as though they re continually hanging behind the door waiting to be called to work. We have a social life to live and it is up to our local representatives to resist all attempts to “side step” those agreements which afford the slightest protection.
It seems that many who have been in receipt of the Lodging Allowance are becoming more
and more perturbed at renewed insistence of Shed Masters that “documentary evidence” of
attempts to secure accommodation must be provided by the individual, We all recognise that
an employer who provides an allowance for married staff transferred has a right to some
assurance that efforts are being made to find accommodation. It now seems, however, that
certain Shed Masters are not satisfied with notes from the local authority but are insisting on
evidence from house agents and private landlords who have been approached.
Driver Bob Cowell (27.10.1916) working a Brighton service over to Salisbury, either bound for Plymouth
or Cardiff in the late 1950's - early 1960's.
The engine is a 'Battle of Britian Class' No. 34057 'Biggin Hill' and is seen at Southampton.
Railway accident on British Railways
Southern Region
Central Division
London Bridge 22nd October 1956
Involving Horsham Dual Driver Penfold & Motorman F.E. Brown
depot unknown
SEE SUB PAGE
Brighton Driver Charlie Thorpe and Fireman Jimmy Edwards
seen at Lewes
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
ONCE again the Promotion, Transfer and Redundancy arrangements become Talking Point No. 1 in all places where Motormen congregate.
Electrical branches our members have made a conscientious study of the riot of verbiage which now passes as Clause 22 of the promotion scheme. In the messrooms there has been no such effort to get very close to the FACTS, with the result that the tales of woe in some quarters have reached quite alarming proportions.
Discussion in the branches visited during the past few weeks indicates that things are not nearly as bad as at first supposed, though there are strong complaints from men listed for accommodation moves that their position has been markedly worsened since the change in policy relating progression from the dual links.
Most of us had hoped to put " first in, first out " into operation without too many complications for the reasons explained to the branches, the " starring" system set out in the revised Clause 22 had to be adopted and while the starred men are with us there will be certain complications. Some men have already declared that the first effect of the change is to make a difficult scheme utterly incomprehensible to the majority of those affected by it.
One thing is certain. If any man is listed for any move under Clause 23 he should make it his business to go along to the branch to find out how he now stands. We all remember how, in 1950, many of our colleagues let chances of transfer go by, through lack of knowledge of the moves available to them within the promotion
Whatever the complications or apparent disadvantages in the new arrangements at the moment, it must be acknowledged that when all the starred men have been accommodated most of the old problems will disappear and the whole of the promotion and transfer arrangements will be far less complicated than hitherto. Progression from the dual links to Motormen's positions will be perfectly straightforward and the advantages to men listed for preference moves are obvious. Many Motormen will want to have another look at that part of the scheme which deals with accommodation moves and our Electrical branches will be actively engaged in the coming weeks in setting out a plan of campaign to improve this particular aspect.
Besides issuing a valuable report on the actual congress, our delegation to the 24th Congress of the International Transport Workers' Federation has given details of conditions of employment of our counterparts on the Austrian Railways. Arrangements were made for our delegates to visit a Motive Power Depot in Vienna and, among other interesting information, they report the following details of the "Deadman" device fitted to one of the latest express electric locomotives:
"The foot treadle safety device fitted is one of double-action operation. A bell in the motor-man's cab rings for 10 seconds every minute and the motorman has alternatively to take his foot from the treadle or place it on it. If he fails to act, a louder bell rings and if he still fails to react, the brakes apply and bring the train to a stand in 75 metres. The mechanism operating this arrangement is a toothed revolving cam-driven air valve on the train pipe. If the treadle is not depressed or released at the bell signal, the teeth engage and open the air valve; if the motorman reacts correctly the teeth on the cam do not connect and the air valve remains closed." If the train is scheduled to travel at more than 56 m.p.h., two men are employed in the cab.
No comment !
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1956
ON THE SURFACE
A PAGE FOR MOTORMEN
By D.K. PULLEN
Electrical Branches during the past two months, particularly at Clapham Junction, London Bridge and Selhurst, have seen some of their liveliest meetings since the strike last year. There is nothing like a good controversy on the Promotion, Transfer and Redundancy Arrangements to rouse our Motormen members and it is becoming increasingly clear that such items as Wages, Sick Pay, Pensions and kindred subjects are kindergarten stuff compared with an Accommodation Transfer.
Promotion and transfer arrangements are, especially to our younger fraternity, very important subjects and it is understandable that any threat to worsen the position of a man awaiting a transfer will be a quickly contested. Any plan for improving the chances of men listed for accommodation moves is promptly snapped up by those concerned; just now our branches are
humming with such suggestions. Unfortunately it is very difficult to devise a plan for improving the lot of one section without worsening the outlook for others. The introduction of " First in, first out" of the dual links will, in the long run, solve most of our transfer problems but it would be idle to suppose that everyone will welcome the change with open arms. Some of our steam colleagues, for example, have very fixed notions about the right of a Driver to "sit on the fence" waiting for a convenient moment to pop into the dual link. Young
men who have suffered the domestic inconvenience of moving house a couple of times to gain promotion find it difficult, putting things mildly, to concede that anyone has the right to anything which might prejudice their chance of utilising an accommodation move to return " home" at the very earliest opportunity. Many Motormen --and not by any means just those with an immediate personal interest-are convinced that something should be done about improving the effectiveness of the Clause 23(c) move. Potential Motormen at steam depots
should think seriously of the future when called upon to examine any suggestion for amending the existing P.T. & R. arrangements.
Toram Beg, author of "Scottish Opinion", has a larger following among Southern Motormen than possibly even he imagines. Paraphrasing the question posed so often recently by Toram, some of our men are asking in a rather different tone, "What has the Society done for me ? "
Wherever the pending increase in contributions is mentioned it's a safe bet that one of the Bright Boys will make the enquiry December seems as good a month as any to do a little " stocktaking", so let's check the events of the past 12 months:-
Wages: a 7 per cent increase, meant 14s. per week to the top-rated man -- plus extra cash from the time-and-a-quarter enhancement for Saturday afternoon working/plus payment for travelling passenger before mileage.
Conditions; The Sick Pay Scheme; additional Bank Holiday lieu-leave days; Continental travel facilities for Motive Power Staff and families; the new Machinery of Negotiation which, among other important changes, limits staff representation of Trade Unionists only; the introduction of the Joint Consultative Machinery, which makes possible joint meetings of the L.D.C.'s of great importance to Electrical Representatives; agreement on the principle of "First in, first out" after years of haggling by the other parties concerned -- and many other important gains, including improved roster scrutiny arrangements at Motormen's links, uniform clothing issue to include lightweight trousers and the reefer jacket, improved Leading Motorman's allowance, etc., etc.
All in all, on the industrial side of our work, we can claim that 1956 has been a year of very considerable advancement for all our fraternity. Taking into account the great services of the Society's Compensation and Legal Department over the year to September. 30 (a total of £71,178 in settlements for our members) it seems fair enough comment to answer Toram's famous question with just one word —"PLENTY "!
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1956
EASTBOURNE
Attendance at branch meetings could be improved, but we are active as our amendments to A.A.D. items show.This must be the only Shed not rebuilt after war damage; we consist of one wall, winter will, no doubt, bring difficulties, but we "flog a dead horse," it seems.
In September we held our first reunion and social evening. Sixteen retired members and wives attended, plus our active membership; the occasion marked a presentation to W. Bransgrove, recently retired after 25 years with us, having previously been at Nine Elms and Leatherhead. Bill has not had the best of health but we hope he will benefit from his freedom from shunting duties. Also Bro. A. Divall received the E.C. Award for five years' chairman-ship -- well earned. The social committee must be complimented on their successful adventure and we look forward to the next one.
Branch Reporter.
IAN MUNRO COLLECTION
Brighton Driver Ernie Skinner & his Fireman Ian Munro
at the scene of a accident on Sheriff Mill Viaduct
(just South of Horsted Keynes on the Ardingly branch)
The date of the accident is not known.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1956
SELHURST
This being my last branch report as secretary, I feel it should be a comprehensive one.
Items of great interest and importance have taken time at recent meetings, among the most important being the latest adjustments to the P.T. & R. Arrangements. Although not meeting with the approval of our members who are directly concerned, one has to admit a step in the right direction has been made to make the scheme run smoothly after all " starred" have been absorbed. To the disgruntled ones I would say, you are mostly young men, please do not lose sight of the good work that has been put in to make our calling worth while.If you stop to reflect, there is no need for me to elaborate on it. I ask in all sincerity that you attend your branch meetings regularly and support your officers when elected By the way, our A.G.M., 1956, is on Sunday, December 16, Ruskin House, 10 a.m. It is your duty to attend. In con-clusion, let me say " Many Thanks" to all comrades who have given service in the cause during my 24 years as secretary; without it, the work involved could not have been accomplished. It has made my job worth while.
Bill Boulton
Branch Secretary.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1956
NORWOOD JUNCTION